The New York Times reports today on a new study released recently in the journal Reproductive Sciences linking placenta protein 13, known as PP13, and the development of preeclampsia. Scientists conducting the study hypothesize that a complex game of survival between mother and placenta results in secretion of the protein from the placenta in an attempt to divert the attention of the mother’s lymphocytes, which are white blood cells that attack and destroy trophoblasts, cells which leave the placenta and invade the mother’s tissues in order to create more blood flow to the placenta, in an attempt to grow the largest and healthiest baby possible. The scientists suggest that if this deception doesn’t work, the mother may be more likely to develop preeclampsia. This research is still in its very early stages and cannot yet be used to aid in treatment of the condition–at present, the only known cure for preeclampsia is delivery of the baby and placenta. According to the NYT article, scientists are hoping that testing for the protein earlier on may help them to identify mothers who are at a greater risk for developing the complication so they can be monitored closely.
To read the entire NYT article, click here.
And for an article from earlier in the month on the same subject from ScienceDaily, click here.
What do you think? Will testing for the protein earlier in pregnancy improve outcomes? Are there any risks to testing in addition to the benefits? Is it possible that mothers who are found to be at a higher risk for developing preeclampsia will be subject to more interventions in their pregnancies and deliveries, even if they don’t develop the complication?
2 Responses
I am unclear from this article if there is any natural way to treat this during pregnancy or if this is just another way for doctors to make tons of cash by doing interventions to a huge group of women, some or possibly many who don’t need any treatment.
Has me wondering if this will be like the GroupB testing. Will it mean more interventions with little results? It will be wonderful if this finding means that they find a better way to help mother and baby remain healthy.